From Stage to Staffing: Lessons in Empathy, Communication, & Leadership

From Intern to Social Media Pro: Colin Englebright’s Story

Show Notes: * Introduction & Background: Bobby and Karl welcome Colin and discuss his role at Hunt and Fool, his studies at SUU, and his independent music career. * Career Journey: Colin shares his path to SUU after returning from a church mission in Africa, switching majors, and discovering Hunt and Fool through Handshake. * Taking the Leap: The challenges of quitting a stable hospital job, taking a pay cut, and balancing school and multiple jobs. * Growth at Hunt and Fool: From media assistant to Social Media Manager—managing accounts, creating ads, and driving campaigns like the Dream Hunt Draws. * Learning & Leadership: The value of feedback, honesty, and education; insights from hiring interns and delegating tasks effectively. * Balancing Education & Career: Colin’s perspective on lifelong learning, personal growth, and pursuing a master’s while excelling at work. * Advice for Interns & Job Seekers: Be teachable, build relationships, listen, and take calculated risks. * Lightning Round & Final Thoughts: Colin’s favorite part of his job, hardest lessons learned, most important skill for interns, dream brands, and outdoor adventures. --- SUU Career Center website [https://www.suu.edu/careercenter/] --- Southern Utah University [https://www.suu.edu] Cedar City, Utah

From Stage to Staffing: Lessons in Empathy, Communication, & Leadership

Key Topics Covered: * Nate’s career path: from family farm in Tremont, Utah, to acting, theater, and HR. * The parallels between acting and HR: empathy, body language, and relational skills. * Roles at Discovery Ranch South, including Performing Arts Director and HR Director. * Importance of communication, boundary-setting, and fostering an owner’s mindset in the workplace. * Tips for students and job seekers: networking, preparing for interviews, practicing body language, and asking insightful questions. * Practical advice on building strong teams and aligning values with potential employers. * A humorous finale featuring a Bigfoot cameo.   Actionable Takeaways: * Practice body language and communication to make a strong impression in interviews. * Approach opportunities with an owner’s mindset—be proactive and contribute ideas. * Attend networking events and career fairs to build meaningful professional relationships. * Research companies and align your values with theirs to stand out as a candidate. --- SUU Career Center website [https://www.suu.edu/careercenter/] --- Southern Utah University [https://www.suu.edu] Cedar City, Utah

Say Yes to the Scary Stuff!

Topics * Networking that actually works * Turning volunteer gigs into real experience * Why grades aren’t everything * The magic of taking the first scary step Show Notes Jamie Shaw discussed her career journey, highlighting her roles at major international sports firms and her extensive experience in hosting events globally. She emphasized the importance of networking, both during and post-college, and advised students to seek out opportunities beyond academia, such as internships and volunteer work. Shaw stressed the value of building relationships, engaging in extracurricular activities, and developing a learning mindset. She shared her belief that practical experiences and personal initiatives often trump academic achievements on resumes. Additionally, Shaw encouraged students to try new things, embrace challenges, and maintain an openness to diverse experiences. --- SUU Career Center website [https://www.suu.edu/careercenter/] --- Southern Utah University [https://www.suu.edu] Cedar City, Utah

Expectations vs. Reality: Your First Job After College

In this episode, Bobby and Trekker sit down with Justin Wayman, Director of Human Resources at Cedar Band Corporation, to talk about the transition from college to the workplace — and what new graduates can realistically expect in their first jobs. Justin shares his own journey from studying engineering at SUU to finding his passion in human resources, explaining how a single mentor changed his career path. He breaks down why college degrees still matter to employers, even in a changing job market, and offers practical advice on gaining real-world experience through internships and hands-on projects. The conversation dives into key myths about GPA, job hopping, and job qualifications — and how students can set themselves apart by being teachable, committed, and open to growth. Key Takeaways * The college-to-career jump is bigger than you think. Academic structure disappears — success now depends on initiative and adaptability. * Internships are essential. Real-world experience during school helps reduce “transition shock.” * Your degree is a launch pad, not the finish line. It shows employers you’re committed, teachable, and capable of growth. * GPA isn’t everything. It’s a performance indicator, not a measure of career potential. * Job hopping can hurt. Staying at a company for at least two years builds credibility and opportunities for promotion. * Apply anyway. You don’t need to meet 100% of job qualifications — companies hire for the right fit, not the perfect résumé. Memorable Quotes * “When you leave college, you’re not finished — you’ve just built the launch pad for your career.” – Justin Wayman * “A degree shows you’re teachable and committed. That’s what employers are really looking for.” – Justin Wayman * “Internships and real-world projects are the bridge between theory and practice.” – Justin Wayman --- SUU Career Center website [https://www.suu.edu/careercenter/] --- Southern Utah University [https://www.suu.edu] Cedar City, Utah

Weather Girl Dropout Turned Financial Analyst

From dreams of being a TV weather girl to becoming a financial analyst for a major hospitality company, Markell Haslem's career path is a powerful reminder that it's okay to pivot. In this episode, Karl and Trekker sit down with Markell to discuss how a communications major with a self-proclaimed aversion to math found her way into the world of finance. Markell shares her journey of navigating college, changing majors, and the unexpected opportunities that came from her early work experiences. This episode is packed with candid advice about the value of networking, the importance of work-life balance, and why your first job—no matter how "crappy" it seems—can set you up for future success. In this episode, we discuss: * Meet the Guest: An introduction to Markell Haslem, a financial analyst at Safari Hospitality, a hotel property management company with around 40 hotels across the western United States. * From Weather Girl to Financial Analyst: Markell shares her childhood dream of being a meteorologist and how her struggles with math led her to pivot her career aspirations. * The Power of an Early Start: How a job as a nanny for the Burgess family, who own Safari Hospitality, led to a position at the Hampton Inn in Cedar City and opened the door to a long-term career with the company. * The College Experience: Markell's candid take on her seven-year journey to a bachelor's degree, why she switched from accounting to communications, and her advice for students who may be more focused on the social aspects of college. * A Non-Linear Career Path: Markell's journey from a front desk and breakfast attendant at a hotel to an internship in revenue management, a brief and challenging stint as a General Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a move to Denver to work for Fidelity Investments. * The Value of Licensing and Certifications: How studying for and passing the Series 7 exam to become a licensed equities trader opened up new career opportunities and demonstrated her competency in finance, despite not having a finance degree. * Work-Life Balance vs. a Big Paycheck: Markell discusses her decision to leave a potentially higher-paying job at Fidelity in Denver to return to Cedar City for a role with more flexibility and the ability to be present for her family. * Your Major Doesn't Define You: The hosts and Markell discuss how your college major doesn't always determine your career path and that the skills you learn are often more important than the specific degree on your diploma. * Bigfoot Theories: The episode takes a fun and unexpected turn with a discussion about Bigfoot and interdimensional beings. --- SUU Career Center website [https://www.suu.edu/careercenter/] --- Southern Utah University [https://www.suu.edu] Cedar City, Utah